 |
News & Updates
Federated Church of Ashland
118 Main Street
Ashland, MA 01721
|
|
Volume Four: 8th Edition September 2016
|
From Larry's Desk....
The Pumpkins Are Coming!
|
|
For most of us here in New England, one of the joys is the change of seasons. With each season there are new things to do and see, different clothes to wear, and an opportunity to get in touch with our seasonal traditions. We gather with family and friends to pick strawberries in early summer, apples in early fall, as well as pick out pumpkins in October, not only for Halloween, but also for our Thanksgiving holiday decorations. The bright orange pumpkins compliment the brightly colored leaves bursting forth on the tree around us this time of year.
This year, as in the past few years, members and friends of the Federated Church, will welcome a tractor trailer truck load of pumpkins which have been planted, grown and harvested by Native American farmers from the Navajo reservation in New Mexico. The pumpkins are scheduled to arrive on Saturday, October 1st at 8:30 AM. (be sure to check your email that day in the event of a change of delivery time)
Each year members of the community have gathered with us to unload the truck, and scatter the hundreds of pumpkins and gourds of all sizes, across the front lawn of the church.
The pumpkins illuminate the front lawn of the church and create a wonderful photo op, as well as an opportunity to purchase them and contribute to the church's effort to support members of the Native American community in NM, with a portion of the proceeds supporting the church's outreach programs which include the Ashland Food Pantry, an in house Thrift Shop, shelter for homeless families, meals for a local transitional shelter for women, Christmas gifts for local families with children, and a welcoming community of faith, to name a few.
If you have shared in this seasonal tradition in the past, we welcome you back during the month of October. If you are looking for a new tradition come and hunt for the perfect pumpkin or two at our Pumpkin Patch, bring the kids and take photos, and support this community tradition and the good work that comes from it.
Mark your calendars, help us unload the truck on Oct 1st and sign up for a time slot or two to sell pumpkins. ALSO: Help is needed setting up the canopy by Sept. 30th, bringing out tables and chairs, and setting up the sales booth.
This year we hope to be able to accept credit cards, however cash purchases are always welcome. The Pumpkin Patch runs from Oct.1st to the 31st from approximately Noon to 7PM.
Pastor Larry
|
It's FAIR TIME !!
The 63rd
Annual Federated Church Fair is happening on
Saturday, October 22nd!
Save the date, tell your family, friends and neighbors, and spread the word.
The church will be transformed into a festive place with homemade baked good, crafts, fudge, jewelry, a return of Turkey Divan in the food area, a raffle of amazing baskets stuffed with all kinds of goodies and other treasures.
CHILDREN'S FAIR ACTIVITIES
Bouncy House,
Pumpkin Painting
, Face Painting
|
Brown Bag Sunday
This Sunday (September 18th)
Cheers go out to all those who have continued to remember those in need of food and groceries within the Ashland community. Our Brown Bag Sunday donations have continued to exceed 150 lbs for the months of
June, July and August!!
Please continue your generosity for this month's donations. The Ashland Food Pantry, the recipient of your contributions is asking for extra help with the following items:
Soup
Ketchup
Mayonnaise
School Snacks
Instant Potatoes
Macaroni & Cheese
Any non-perishable food items are always welcome!
|
SPECIAL OUTDOOR
WORSHIP SERVICE
Sunday October 16th
at 10:00 AM
Come celebrate with us on Sunday Oct. 16th, in the midst of our Pumpkin Patch, a time of worship, thanksgiving and blessing, in gratitude for the Fall Season, the Harvest, the Pumpkins and our Mission work as a church.
Bring jackets and hats, arrive early to grab a chair, and a bringa heart filled with excitement for all that God is doing in our church. (Please see any one of the deacons, or Pastor Larry with any questions, or special needs for that day.)
|
Our church will once again be privileged to host families with children struggling with homelessness.
They are schedule to arrive
the week of
Sept 25-Oct2.
Volunteers are needed to prepare and serve meals, be our overnight hosts, help with set up and clean up when they depart, and people to provide snacks and other necessities while the families are with us.
Please check the signup chart in the Sanctuary or call the church office with questions.
Thank you in advance to all the volunteers who will help us host these families.
|
|
Thrift Shop News!
Bargain Days at the Church Thrift Shop.
On Saturdays Oct 1st and 8th, the Thrift Shop is offering "Bag Days". Fill a bag and pay a flat rate of ONLY $4...for all clothing and select items.
The Thrift shop will be closed Saturday, Oct 15th and then return to regular Wed. hours on Oct 19th.
A special thank you to all of the volunteers who have staffed the shop each Sat. over the summer, and for those staunch volunteers who will continue each Wed.
(Donations of gently used clothing and household items are welcome)
|
|
|
Our Members'
Birthdays
September
9/3 Pete Russo
9/8 Jimmy Russo
9/10 Alan Mancini
9/11 Bill Tougas
9/14 Alice Bixby
9/15 Sydney Howard
9/15 Raman Krishnan
9/18 Emily Wenzell
9/18 Sue Wallace
9/20 Bill Wallace
9/22 Linda Russo
9/26 Vickie Mancini
9/28 Kim Conner
October
10/2 Ruth Norton
10/2 Luca Mateo
10/4 Cynthia Winterhalter
10/7 Aarda Aarden
Happy Birthday to One and All!!
If we missed your birthday it means we don't have it in our records, please call the church
office and leave your information with Linda - thank you!
|
WANTED
Do you play guitar or know someone who does? Do you play piano or a keyboard, or know someone who does? Do you play a flute or clarinet, or saxophone, or the violin, or know someone who does?
We are looking for people who can help us revitalize the music and introduce some new sounds to our Sunday Worship Services. We cannot pay much, but we can offer an enthusiastic and grateful congregation, and an opportunity to have fun with us on Sunday mornings.
If you have talent or know someone who does, let us know!!! Spread the word!!!
Please contact the church office at 508-881-1355 and ask for Pastor Larry
|
|
|
| Federated Church of Ashland
118 Main Street
Ashland, MA 01721-3112
508-881-1355 Church Office Hours Monday - Friday 9 AM TO 12 NOON Church Office: [email protected]
Pastor Larry Iannetti: [email protected]
federatedchurchofashland.org
|
|
|
|
|
|
